US7516887B2 - Surface mountable multiformat reader for vending machine application - Google Patents
Surface mountable multiformat reader for vending machine application Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US7516887B2 US7516887B2 US11/807,928 US80792807A US7516887B2 US 7516887 B2 US7516887 B2 US 7516887B2 US 80792807 A US80792807 A US 80792807A US 7516887 B2 US7516887 B2 US 7516887B2
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- card
- vending machine
- reader
- card reader
- housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
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- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 7
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- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 229920005372 Plexiglas® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000004397 blinking Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
- G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
- G07F7/0866—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means by active credit-cards adapted therefor
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
- G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
- G06Q20/347—Passive cards
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
- G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
- G07F7/0873—Details of the card reader
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
- G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
- G07F7/0873—Details of the card reader
- G07F7/0893—Details of the card reader the card reader reading the card in a contactless manner
Definitions
- the subject matter described herein relates to a card reader that facilitates various forms of payment media transactions used at vending equipment. More particularly, the subject matter described herein relates to a surface mountable multiformat card reader for vending equipment.
- RF proximity reader for reading contactless cards brought in proximity to the reader. It may also be desirable to allow users to use both contactless cards and conventional magnetic stripe cards to purchase goods from vending machines.
- RF proximity reader does not read contactless RF cards and their internal circuitry and footprint on the front panel of a vending machine limits the ability to add RF card readers.
- the subject matter described herein includes a surface mountable multiformat card reader for a vending machine application.
- the subject matter described herein includes a surface mountable card reader that comprises a mounting bracket for attaching to a vending machine.
- the surface mountable card reader also includes a card reader housing that extends outward from the mounting bracket.
- the housing which includes a channel spaced outwardly from the mounting bracket for receiving a magnetic stripe card, comprises a radio frequency (RF) proximity reader that is adapted for receiving data via an RF signal from a contactless card.
- RF radio frequency
- the housing also comprises a magnetic stripe reader that is adapted for receiving data from magnetic stripe cards that pass through the channel.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram that depicts an exemplary vending machine employing a multi-format surface mountable card reader according to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein;
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram that depicts a multi-format surface mountable card reader according to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein.
- a surface mountable multi-format card reader is provided.
- the SMCR may be adapted to accept a plurality of different payment types, such as a credit card, a debit card, a contactless smart card, and the like.
- the SMCR may be mounted to a vending machine or any other like unattended device that may benefit from the capability of receiving various forms of payment from a customer in convenient manner.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary vending machine 102 according to an embodiment of the subject matter herein. Although only one type of vending machine is depicted in FIG. 1 , those skilled in the art realize that a vending machine may exist in various shapes and sizes.
- vending machine 102 comprises a front panel 104 that includes a protective viewing panel 106 , a selection keypad 108 , a coin acceptor 114 , a bill acceptor 110 , and a surface mountable card reader 200 .
- Front panel 104 may include a mounting surface 116 on which surface mountable card reader 200 may be mounted.
- Protective viewing panel 106 may be made of plexiglass or any other similar durable panel that allows a customer to view the products contained in a vending machine. However, some vending machines do not include a viewing panel.
- Selection keypad 108 may include any mechanism (e.g., a grouping of buttons) that enables a customer to select a product from vending machine 102 .
- a coin acceptor 114 may include any mechanism for receiving deposited coins.
- a bill acceptor 110 may comprise any mechanism for receiving deposited bills.
- vending machine In order to receive goods from a vending machine or like device, payment must be rendered to and accepted by the vending machine. By increasing the number of methods by which a vending machine may accept payment, the vending machine will then be more readily accessible to a larger group of potential customers. Similarly, by being accessible to a larger number of potential buyers, the greater the opportunity a vending machine will have to sell its contained goods.
- a user renders payment to a vending machine either by supplying the machine with currency using coin acceptor 114 or bill acceptor 110 .
- coin acceptor 114 or bill acceptor 110 These mechanisms for receiving payment may limit the number of potential customers that can use the vending machine since a customer must have the requisite monies on his/her person.
- one aspect of the present subject matter enables customers to conduct various purchase transactions at vending equipment using a credit card, a debit card, a contactless smart card, or the like.
- these payment methods do not require a vending machine to store or return change to the customer after a purchase, thus allowing for a prompt and more convenient sale transaction. Therefore, surface mountable card reader 200 is designed to afford vending machines additional number of payment alternatives without compromising the previously existing payment options.
- SCR 200 may include any device that is adapted to be mounted to a vending machine. Notably, SMCR 200 may be configured to process a payment from a payment card or a contactless smart card.
- a payment card may comprise any magnetic stripe card that contains account information on the magnetic stripe and may be accessed through a magnetic stripe card reader.
- a payment card may include a credit card or a debit card.
- a contactless smart card (e.g., MasterCard PayPass® card) does not rely on a magnetic stripe (although in some embodiments, the smart card may still include a magnetic stripe to be used with non-RF equipped readers), but instead may include an embedded chip (e.g., a secure microcontroller or like device), internal memory, and a small antenna.
- an embedded chip e.g., a secure microcontroller or like device
- Contactless smart card technology is used in applications that require the protection of personal information as well as delivering fast, secure transactions (e.g., transit fare payment cards, vending machine purchases, etc.).
- Contactless smart cards have the ability to securely manage, store and provide access to data on the card, perform on-card functions (e.g., encryption) and interact intelligently with a contactless smart card reader.
- Contactless smart card technology is available in a variety of forms, such as plastic cards, key fobs, and other handheld devices (e.g., built into mobile phones).
- the chip in the contactless card contains the same information held by the conventional magnetic stripe of a credit card or debit card.
- SMCR 200 is equipped with both a magnetic stripe card reader and an RF proximity card reader. Consequently, SMCR 200 may include both a magnetic stripe card reader unit and a radio frequency (RF) proximity reader in order to process a payment from a credit card, debit card, contactless smart card, and the like.
- RF radio frequency
- FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary surface mountable card reader 200 , which comprises a mounting bracket 202 and a card reader housing 201 .
- card reader housing 201 outwardly extends or protrudes from mounting bracket 202 to allow a user to easily swipe a magnetic stripe card through a channel 206 formed by housing 201 .
- the card reader housing 201 may be characterized as including a rectangular box shaped unit or enclosure that includes both a magnetic stripe swipe reader 204 and an RF proximity reader 210 .
- housing 201 is enclosed in such a manner that the internal circuitry is completely sealed and protected from the weather and elements. The shape of the housing 201 permits sufficient internal clearance for the inclusion of an RF proximity reader antenna and its required circuitry.
- an RF proximity reader 210 is positioned on the surface face of housing 201 along with a display 207 , a first set of indicators 208 , a second set of indictors 216 , and a single indicator 218 .
- Display 207 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) or any other like display screen.
- the first set of indicators 208 are green light emitting diodes (LEDs) that blink to indicate that a credit card, debit card, contactless smart card, or the like, has been read (i.e., payment has been proffered).
- the second set of indicators 216 may include blue LEDs that blink sequentially to indicate that SMCR 200 is activated and ready to process a transaction.
- Single indicator 218 may be an orange LED that blinks to indicate that a transaction is in progress.
- Single indicator 218 may also include a beep sound that accompanies the blinking LED.
- RF proximity reader 210 is adapted to read contactless smart cards and deduct the appropriate funds from an electronic account.
- the user simply holds the card near an RF proximity reader 210 at vending machine 102 .
- the chip inside the card is activated by radio waves from card reader 210 .
- the contactless smart card can communicate with RF proximity reader, which functions as a contactless radio frequency (RF) interface, over short distances.
- RF proximity card reader 210 uses a very weak signal so the contactless card should be held approximately an inch away in order for card reader 210 to function properly.
- the carder reader 210 emits a tone and a visual indicator (e.g., indicators 208 ) lights up to signal payment confirmation. All other aspects of the transaction are conducted in a similar manner to the handling of traditional credit card transactions.
- housing 201 also includes magnetic stripe swipe reader 204 .
- Magnetic stripe swipe reader 204 may be located within housing 201 adjacent to channel 206 to magnetically read magnetic stripe cards that pass through channel 206 .
- Channel 206 may be oriented horizontally or vertically when reader 200 is attached to a vending machine.
- Channel 206 may be spaced sufficiently from mounting surface of vending machine 102 when reader 200 is attached to mounting surface 116 to allow sufficient clearance for a user to access channel 106 to swipe a magnetic stripe card.
- the tapered (i.e., slightly angled) enclosure design of housing 201 also provides better presentation of the RF proximity card reader's front panel face to a user standing in front of the display front 106 or the product dispensing portion of the typical vending machine. This design is favorable to a more mechanically complex insertion type reader, which is commonly used in vending machines and has a greater chance of malfunction.
- channel 206 may be orientated in a horizontal manner (e.g., positioned over the display 207 ) instead.
- SMCR 200 is adapted for attachment to the exterior of vending machine 102 using a mounting bracket 202 .
- mounting bracket 202 may include a plurality of apertures or slots (see FIG. 2 ) that facilitate the attachment of SMCR 200 to the vending machine panel face 104 using screws, bolts, or any suitable fastener.
- SMCR 200 may be attached to a vending machine in any number of ways.
- attachment may require only simple drilled holes to permit entry of interconnecting cables and for mounting hardware.
- four mounting holes and a cable-routing hole must be drilled into the vending machine front panel 104 .
- a 5 ⁇ 8 th (15.875 mm) drill bit and a 5/32 nd (4 mm) drill bit may be used to drill the cable-routing hole and the four mounting holes, respectively.
- a pigtail cable may then be extended from the inside of the vending machine through the cable routing hole and attached to the back of SMCR 200 .
- the other end of the pigtail cable is ultimately attached to an interior cable, which in turn is attached to the other circuitry in the vending machine 102 .
- This connection enables SMCR 200 to communicate with the vending machine and its supporting circuitry.
- SMCR 200 After pulling the slack of the pigtail cable back inside the vending machine, SMCR 200 is positioned appropriately and secured to the panel front 104 using screws or any like fastener.
- a bezel may be placed over the front of SMCR 200 in such a manner where the bezel snaps into place and completely covers and protects the fasteners in mounting surface 202 . Once the bezel is secured in place, e.g., using locking tabs, the bezel and SMCR 200 cannot be easily removed.
- SMCR 200 may be mounted internally.
- SMCR 200 may be installed in the cutout or the place of an insertion type card reader. After removing the insertion type card reader, SMCR 200 may then be attached (e.g., using bolts and/or nuts to attach mounting surface 202 to the back side of front panel 104 . Afterwards, SMCR 200 may be connected to the other circuitry of the vending machine using a pigtail cable and interior cable, as described above.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
- Strategic Management (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (15)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/807,928 US7516887B2 (en) | 2007-03-30 | 2007-05-30 | Surface mountable multiformat reader for vending machine application |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US92104607P | 2007-03-30 | 2007-03-30 | |
US11/807,928 US7516887B2 (en) | 2007-03-30 | 2007-05-30 | Surface mountable multiformat reader for vending machine application |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20080236991A1 US20080236991A1 (en) | 2008-10-02 |
US7516887B2 true US7516887B2 (en) | 2009-04-14 |
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US11/807,928 Expired - Fee Related US7516887B2 (en) | 2007-03-30 | 2007-05-30 | Surface mountable multiformat reader for vending machine application |
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US (1) | US7516887B2 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8364520B1 (en) | 2008-08-15 | 2013-01-29 | Freeosk Marketing, Inc. | Method for measuring effectiveness of sampling activity and providing pre-market product feedback |
US8567666B2 (en) * | 2008-02-29 | 2013-10-29 | Panasonic Corporation | Light guiding device, reader/writer device for noncontact communication medium, and electronic apparatus |
US20150287008A1 (en) * | 2014-04-08 | 2015-10-08 | Usa Technologies, Inc. | Apparatus, system, and methods for retrofitting vending systems with wireless communication |
US10007906B2 (en) | 2011-11-17 | 2018-06-26 | Abdolreza Behjat | Using a mobile device in a commercial transaction |
US11227461B2 (en) | 2012-10-01 | 2022-01-18 | Jcm American Corporation | Bezel assembly with close range communication abilities for use with an automated transaction device |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090032367A1 (en) * | 2007-08-03 | 2009-02-05 | Guy Anthome | Vending Machine to Dispense Cans |
US8978868B2 (en) * | 2012-10-01 | 2015-03-17 | Jcm American Corporation | Bezel assembly for use with an automated transaction device |
TW201333861A (en) * | 2013-04-15 | 2013-08-16 | Kai-Yi Yang | Automated trading station and trading method combining sales website and the same |
EP3321841B1 (en) | 2016-11-09 | 2020-04-08 | Conduent Business Services, LLC | Card validator featuring single target area for different readers |
CN107563233A (en) * | 2017-09-29 | 2018-01-09 | 广州市森锐科技股份有限公司 | A kind of card writer |
FR3088469B1 (en) * | 2018-11-08 | 2023-01-06 | Ingenico Group | VISUAL INDICATOR SUPPORT AND CORRESPONDING PAYMENT DEVICE |
Citations (3)
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US5397886A (en) * | 1993-06-10 | 1995-03-14 | Mos Magnetics Corporation | Magnetic stripe and/or micro chip card motorized reader/encoder mechanism |
US6176426B1 (en) * | 1997-01-10 | 2001-01-23 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Card reader and method of installing a card reader |
US7004385B1 (en) * | 2003-04-01 | 2006-02-28 | Diebold Self-Service Systems Division Of Diebold, Incorporated | Currency dispensing ATM with RFID card reader |
-
2007
- 2007-05-30 US US11/807,928 patent/US7516887B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5397886A (en) * | 1993-06-10 | 1995-03-14 | Mos Magnetics Corporation | Magnetic stripe and/or micro chip card motorized reader/encoder mechanism |
US6176426B1 (en) * | 1997-01-10 | 2001-01-23 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Card reader and method of installing a card reader |
US7004385B1 (en) * | 2003-04-01 | 2006-02-28 | Diebold Self-Service Systems Division Of Diebold, Incorporated | Currency dispensing ATM with RFID card reader |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8567666B2 (en) * | 2008-02-29 | 2013-10-29 | Panasonic Corporation | Light guiding device, reader/writer device for noncontact communication medium, and electronic apparatus |
US8364520B1 (en) | 2008-08-15 | 2013-01-29 | Freeosk Marketing, Inc. | Method for measuring effectiveness of sampling activity and providing pre-market product feedback |
US10007906B2 (en) | 2011-11-17 | 2018-06-26 | Abdolreza Behjat | Using a mobile device in a commercial transaction |
US11227461B2 (en) | 2012-10-01 | 2022-01-18 | Jcm American Corporation | Bezel assembly with close range communication abilities for use with an automated transaction device |
US20150287008A1 (en) * | 2014-04-08 | 2015-10-08 | Usa Technologies, Inc. | Apparatus, system, and methods for retrofitting vending systems with wireless communication |
US9619795B2 (en) * | 2014-04-08 | 2017-04-11 | Usa Technologies, Inc. | Apparatus, system, and methods for retrofitting vending systems with wireless communication |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20080236991A1 (en) | 2008-10-02 |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: VIVOTECH, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ARAKAKI, JAMES S.;MERCADO, STANLEY A.;REEL/FRAME:019441/0173 Effective date: 20070601 |
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Owner name: SILICON VALLEY BANK, CALIFORNIA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:VIVOTECH, INC.;REEL/FRAME:024864/0849 Effective date: 20100526 |
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Owner name: VIVOTECH INC, CALIFORNIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:SILICON VALLEY BANK;REEL/FRAME:028849/0225 Effective date: 20120820 |
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Owner name: INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES & SYSTEMS, CORPORATION, Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VIVOTECH, INC.;REEL/FRAME:029800/0907 Effective date: 20120803 |
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